Zaheer Khan did not take the field for Mumbai at the start of the fourth and final day of their Ranji Trophy match against Railways, on Monday. His absence further fuelled speculation as to whether the veteran pacer's leg injury is more serious than "cramps".

But the source clarified that the veteran pacer was rested keeping the all-important Test match in mind. "The selectors have already been informed of his fitness status and his availability for the first Test."